Today’s Auto Brief: Rugged SUVs Roar Back, Ferrari Gets Choosy, and NASCAR Tears Up Vegas

I spent the morning bouncing between test drives and press calls, and the industry mood right now is oddly split: burly ladder-frame SUVs are back in fashion, Ferrari is about to curate who even gets to experience its first EV, and Dieselgate refuses to fade into the rearview. Also, Las Vegas served up peak NASCAR drama with a very human moment at the checkered flag.

China’s push gets louder: GWM calls out BYD, new diesel muscle for Tank 500, and Jaecoo 8 targets the Kodiaq

CarExpert reports that Great Wall Motors isn’t thrilled with BYD’s pace and pricing, calling the rival “too aggressive.” Translation: the Chinese-market knife fight is going global, and the rest of the world is about to get more choice—and pressure on price. It tracks with GWM’s other news from the same desk: a larger new diesel is coming for the Tank 500 off-roader and the Cannon Alpha ute. If you spend time on rutted fire roads like I do, torque-rich diesels make a difference you can feel in your shoulders—less strain, more glide.

Meanwhile, Autocar says the Jaecoo 8—think: Chery’s more upmarket, outdoorsy sub-brand—is headed to the UK next year to eyeball the Skoda Kodiaq. I’ve done long-haul school runs in the current Kodiaq and it’s quietly brilliant at the dull stuff: gentle ride, big boot, sensible ergonomics. If Jaecoo nails refinement and dealer support, it could be the left-field family SUV that sneaks up on you.

• CarExpert: GWM boss bristles at BYD’s “aggressive” playbook
• CarExpert: Bigger new diesel slated for GWM Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha
• Autocar: Jaecoo 8 due in the UK next year as a Skoda Kodiaq rival

Rugged SUV snapshot: hype vs hardware

Ferrari’s first EV: velvet rope firmly intact

CarExpert also notes Ferrari will hand-pick customers for its first electric car. Not exactly shocking—Maranello’s been curating ownership for decades—but it means early examples will go to the faithful: collectors, repeat buyers, the brand’s unofficial advisory circle. I’ve seen this movie with limited-run Ferraris, and it usually yields two outcomes: clean resale values and a longer waiting list than a Saturday night in Modena.

• Expect early adopters to be current Ferrari clients with history
• Rollout likely favors markets with healthy charging infrastructure
• If you’re new to the brand, be patient—or be very persuasive

Report: Audi eyes a G-Wagen rival

Also from CarExpert: an Audi-badged answer to the G-Class is reportedly in the works. If true, it’s a sensible (and overdue) counterpunch. Audi’s done wilderness-chic as a vibe before, but not as a body-on-frame statement piece. The design brief writes itself—vertical glasshouse, serious approach angles, roof rack strong enough for a tent, and a cabin that can go from muddy boots to cocktail hour without breaking a sweat.

If it arrives, I’m curious about ride tuning. The G is charming because it’s unapologetically upright; the ride can be busy, but the character is irresistible. An Audi interpretation would likely be quieter and tidier on the motorway—great for long Alpine weekends—while still managing a fire road with dignity.

Dieselgate refuses to die; Toyota’s Sienna faces a recall for a welding slip

CarExpert says five automakers are headed to trial in the next chapter of Dieselgate. Every time you think we’re done, another legal thread gets tugged. It’s a reminder that emissions-era accounting will haunt balance sheets for years. If you own a diesel from that time, you already know the drill: software updates, letters in the mail, and sometimes goodwill repairs.

On a different front, Carscoops reports a small welding error created a big recall headache for Toyota’s Sienna. Minivans are the ultimate family tool—one reason I keep recommending them to friends drowning in strollers—so anything structural or safety-adjacent gets addressed quickly. If you’re a Sienna owner, watch for a dealer notice and schedule the fix; the service bay coffee won’t be good, but the peace of mind is.

• CarExpert: Dieselgate trial set for five automakers
• Carscoops: Sienna recall stems from a welding issue
• Tip: Keep your service records tidy; they matter during recalls and emissions campaigns

Peugeot’s 208 goes radical for 2026

Autocar hints the next 208 will “reinvent the wheel.” Peugeot loves a concept flourish, and the current car already has the quirky i-Cockpit. If the brand is tearing up the rulebook, I’m hoping for clearer sightlines and tactile controls that don’t bury basics in a screen. The 208 has always been more about feel than raw speed; give it lighter steering with better on-center stability and it’ll be ideal for tight city streets and Sunday B-roads.

Track talk: Hamlin hits 60 in Vegas, Byron clipped by pit-lane confusion

From Road & Track: Denny Hamlin took an emotional win at Las Vegas, his 60th career victory. That’s legacy-level stuff, and the post-race gratitude—thanking his dad—was the kind of moment that reminds you why people fall in love with this sport. In the same race, championship contender William Byron smacked into Ty Dillon, apparently unaware the No. 10 was pitting. On ovals, split-second misreads cost dearly; in a title chase, they echo into Monday.

• Road & Track: Hamlin’s 60th career win at Las Vegas, with a heartfelt cooldown
• Road & Track: Byron-Dillon contact sparked by pit timing miscommunication

What it all means (today, anyway)

• Rugged, boxy SUVs are back in boardrooms and on design boards
• Ferrari’s EV will be scarce by design—start schmoozing your dealer
• Chinese brands are accelerating, and legacy players are feeling it
• Compliance hangovers (Dieselgate, recalls) still shape 2025
• Motorsport keeps delivering human stories amid the telemetry

Quick hits: What caught my eye

• If Jaecoo prices the 8 under a like-for-like Kodiaq, expect noise from family buyers
• GWM’s bigger diesel should be a win for towing and touring—range matters off-grid
• Audi’s rumored 4x4 needs real capability, not just blocky styling, to earn credibility

Conclusion

Today’s theme is control—of image, of pricing, of narratives. Ferrari controls who gets its first EV. Audi wants to control the story around go-anywhere luxury. Chinese brands are controlling momentum with speed and value. And on track, control is the thin line between a career-defining 60th win and a costly scrape. Buckle up; the next few months will be busy.

FAQ

When is the Jaecoo 8 arriving in the UK?

Autocar says next year, positioned as a rival to the Skoda Kodiaq.

Who can buy Ferrari’s first electric car?

According to CarExpert, Ferrari will hand-pick early customers—typically existing clients with a purchase history.

Is Audi really making a G-Wagen rival?

CarExpert reports the project is in the works. Details (powertrain, launch timing) are yet to be confirmed.

What’s happening with Dieselgate now?

CarExpert notes five automakers face trial in a new development, underscoring that the saga isn’t over.

Why is the Toyota Sienna being recalled?

Carscoops reports a welding issue triggered the recall. Owners should await official dealer communication for fixes.